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to shed light on sth
01
to provide clarification, understanding, or insight into a topic, situation, or problem
What is the origin of the idiom "shed light on something" and when to use it?
The idiom "shed light on something" comes from the literal act of illuminating something to make it visible or clearer. Historically, before the advent of electric lighting, people used candles, lanterns, or other sources of light to see in the dark. This practical need to illuminate objects and surroundings naturally extended into metaphorical use. Thus, "shedding light" on a subject came to mean providing insight or clarity, helping to understand or reveal information that was previously obscure or hidden.
Ejemplo
The documentary film bared the harsh reality of poverty, shedding light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
The study of epenthesis sheds light on the mechanisms behind speech production and perception, revealing patterns of phonological adaptation in languages.
Through diligent research, the historian uncovered documents that shed light on an obscure event from the past, bringing new knowledge to light.
The researchers found evidence of polyandry in ancient texts, shedding light on the diversity of human marital practices.
Etymological analysis can shed light on cultural exchanges and historical migrations.
